By Kathryn Orange Msc., LCPH, IAHT, IANLPC …..
Good health is a responsibility you owe to yourself and you shouldn’t wait until you become ill before you take any action.
But being told to lead a healthier lifestyle is easier said than done: we often don’t know what our own body needs, and we may end up causing more harm than good by choosing the wrong diet, the wrong exercises or the wrong supplements. We need guidance and a clear map to undertake the journey, and to choose the right map we need to consider three things:
Why, When, How?
Deciding WHY you wish for better health 
will help your motivation and support you in times when your friends, family or, work commitments present challenges to your success. We’ve all been there: forced to make the choice between going to the gym or resting in front of the telly after a tiring day; or feeling the 
need to turn down an invitation to dinner with friends who may tempt you with that one scoop of ice cream or glass of wine on the basis that, ‘one won’t hurt’. But, if you know the reasons you want to change and are COMMITTED to them, you will brush these challenges away like flies and you will be able to battle through those moments of frustration, stagnation or relapse and pick yourself up to carry on forward to your goal.
There are many answers you may come up with to the question WHY, here are some possible ones:
- Your weight is affecting your health: High Blood Pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart and liver disease are all problems of being overweight but being underweight can also lead to thinning bones, infertility, low immunity and anaemia.
- You want to look good at the beach or for a special event such as a wedding party
- You can no longer get into your favorite outfit
- You want to get pregnant, lose pregnancy weight or cope better with menopause
- You are back on the dating scene or want to change your job
- You need to give yourself a boost of confidence
Next, you must create for yourself a space to change. Decide WHEN to start and set a target date. If you don’t have a calendar get one and block off time each day that you can give yourself for making this journey. Use this time for preparation of special meals, for exercise, for meditation or simply for focusing on your achievements. And, if you think you can’t make the time, then take a 
look at how long you spend on Facebook watching videos of animals doing tricks, wandering around the town window shopping or, catching up on UK TV. You might be shocked at how much time you can rescue.
Then, you must decide HOW to make the journey into the Health Zone? Your ultimate goals coupled with your specific body type, genetics and lifestyle will determine the best route. You may achieve this through specific exercises, diet, meditation, dance classes or simply walking in the fresh air. But one thing is for sure, you shouldn’t guess what you need to do, or follow the latest celebrity trends. An exercise and diet program needs to be tailored just for you and if you are to reach the end of your journey and achieve your goals then you need a travel guide to set you in the right direction. So, find a nutritionist, personal trainer, life coach or health advisor to help set you on the correct path.
And finally, DON’T try to do this alone, find an accountability buddy and make them your travelling companion. Through mutual encouragement and support through the tough times you will both ensure each other’s success.
Kathryn come from a long line of natural healers, steeped in the traditions of Northern European herbalism. Growing up with natural remedies, she has experienced first hand their effectiveness in treating a range of ailments. Training as a Naturopath, Kathryn studied nutrition, herbalism, homoeopathy, iridology, reiki, kinesiology, head massage, diet and some life counselling.
